The Center for Creative Arts, also known as Chattanooga High School, in North Chattanooga.

Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts Principal Deborah Smith is stunned by the news that the performing arts magnet school was one of 50 schools nationwide to win $100,000.

"I am just trying to process this information," Smith said this afternoon. "I didn't know if I could believe this was happening. I am just ecstatic."

Smith learned from officials with Target that CCA, which had grades six through 12 and is located in North Chattanooga, was chosen to receive the $100,000 grant.

Last fall, TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres asked viewers to nominate a school of choice for consideration.

Smith said the money will be used for a variety of needs. She said she will involve her leadership site team in allocating the money.

Read more in tomorrow's Times Free Press.